Dental treatment concepts for pregnant patients--results of a survey.

Abstract

AIMS AND METHODS:

702 dentists in private practices were surveyed about dental treatments of pregnant patients with an anonymous questionnaire.

RESULTS:

61.3% of the dentists indicated that they treat pregnant patients, 35.5% postponed treatment to a postnatal time if possible and 3.4% referred these patients to dental clinics. The most frequently occurring treatments measures were pain and emergency treatments in 53.3% of the cases, followed by restorative treatments (42.9%) and oral hygiene measures (39.7%). Only 9.8% of the dentists performed all necessary treatments, 14% were against using an anesthetic during pregnancy. Less than 50% of the dentists indicated they would not perform a treatment in the first trimester and 8.5% said they would not treat in the second trimester.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present study shows that only 54.6% of the surveyed dentists felt they were sufficiently informed and educated about the treatment of pregnant patients.

• Authors: J Pistorius, J Kraft, B Willershausen
• Journal: European journal of medical research (Eur J Med Res) Vol. 8 Issue 6 Pg. 241-6 (Jun 30 2003) ISSN: 0949-2321 [Print] England
• PMID: 12911873 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Attitude of Health Personnel
• Data Collection
• Dental Care
• Dentist-Patient Relations
• Female
• Health Education, Dental
• Humans
• Practice Patterns, Dentists'
• Pregnancy
• Surveys and Questionnaires